Bushes Pay Last Respects to Reagan

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush paid their respects to the late President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, visiting the 40th President's flag-draped coffin in the Capitol Rotunda.

The Bushes bowed their heads and closed their eyes during their visit. The President also touched the flag and, as Nancy Reagan had done the day before, straightened it out.

"Ronald Reagan was a great man, an historic leader and a national treasure," Bush said on Thursday. He will deliver the eulogy in the National Cathedral at the funeral on Friday, which the Chief Executive has designated as a national day of mourning.

Mrs. Reagan greeted the First Couple sometime later. The former First Lady spent the day at the presidential guest mansion, Blair House, receiving distinguished visitors and friends, including former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher -- who quoted from the Book of Matthew when inscribing the condolence book.